Chapter 145: Lyanna

The blade stayed close, but the tension eased slightly. "Prove it," she said, not lowering her guard.

Strax surveyed the entire area without turning around; he had much to think about and much to do in his mind...

"Attack her already, she's annoying! Just kill her!" Ouroboros said. Any minimal threat to him made her ready to fight the whole world, especially in this situation where he was completely unprotected. But on the other hand...

"Calm down, say that if you haven't hurt the girl or touched her body, just state what you came for. Sincerity can win people's hearts, considering we can't sense her, she is a Grand Master or above," Tiamat said, being more rational. After all, she was the rational and fair side, while Ouroboros was the strong and impulsive one.

"You two..." He murmured while still keeping his arms raised, feeling the sword passing close to his head. Its edge was indeed very sharp... A slightest movement and his head would be flying.

He looked back, observing every small detail, trying to find something that could serve as proof of his sincerity, following Tiamat's advice. He finally turned to the ordinary girl in front of him. "The girl," he said finally. "If I wanted to hurt her, I would have killed her immediately. Instead, I'm here, ready to leave if it ensures her safety.

Besides, your soldiers know about me, you can ask them what I was doing... Of course, I wanted to know about this cultivator who was sleeping, someone strong let so many die... don't you think that's enough?" He questioned, many things there were true, of course, he exaggerated the story, but it was an easier and simpler exit.

The woman examined him completely; he could feel her scrutinizing him until her gaze fell on the swords he carried at his waist. She had some thoughts about them but only sighed, "A thief wouldn't have something like this in their possession." She thought for a moment before finally lowering the sword. "If it's a lie, you won't get a second chance." She said.

"Yes, miss, I'm telling the truth. Call the gray-haired soldier out there; I'm sure he'll confirm I'm not such a big threat. Also, why is this guild after you?" Strax asked, feeling he wouldn't be attacked immediately.

"Attack that bitch already! Tear her apart!" Strax heard again; it seemed that... Ouroboros didn't like this woman very much.

"My name is Strax. I am with a group of three more people. We were recently attacked by this same guild with these uniforms. I stole the cloak from the leader of the previous convoy, and when we saw it, we hid the carriage and I came ahead to see what was happening." He began to explain, feeling that the woman still didn't want to talk to him, nor understand him in any way.

He wasn't honest at first, but now he was betting on it.

Lyana, adjusting the position of the unconscious girl, looked at Strax with a tired expression. "We're heading to Eldoria. There, a divine medicine capable of curing any illness will be auctioned, something rare and valuable. The auction has attracted the attention of several factions, and this idiotic guild is among them."

Strax frowned, processing the information. "They wanted to attack those going to Eldoria? They were targeting the wealthy who wanted to go to the auction... It seems our destinies are intertwined; you want to buy some medicine, don't you?"

Lyana sighed, concern visible in every line of her face. "Yes, the medicine is the only hope. Without it, she won't last much longer. What you need to know is that, despite everything, we need to reach Eldoria before the situation becomes even more critical. The threats we face are not just from the guild, but from others interested in the medicine."

Strax, now understanding the urgency and importance, took a moment to reflect. "And what is your plan for the auction? Do you have any allies in Eldoria or someone who can ensure safety?"

Lyana looked at Strax with a scrutinizing gaze. "We have a few contacts in Eldoria, but we can't trust everyone. The city is full of intrigue and treacherous alliances. The auction will be a battlefield of conflicting interests. If you truly want to help, your presence could be useful. But again, if you have other plans, I understand.

The priority is my master's safety."

"I never said I would help, just wanted to know the circumstances. I have my own plans. Unless, of course, you want to hire me." He said, looking at her with a smile. "Damn mercenary..." She murmured. "I'm not in the best position to help people for free, especially easy targets. I'm not a bad person, but if I were, do you think you'd still be alive?

Despite being a Grand Master, I imagine you've just advanced." Strax said, analyzing her with his crimson-red eyes.

She merely nodded; she already knew where this conversation was going, and she respected him as he thought. "So, you're willing to negotiate. This could be advantageous for both. But remember, what do you really want in exchange for this help?"

Strax smiled, pleased to have finally reached an understanding. "Something simple, really. Money would be good, but since you must have enough of that, ask what your master would offer me if she knew... that my subordinate is working to protect the Event." Strax said with a smile, drawing a curious look from Lyana...

"Subordinate? You? You seem just like a thug..." She murmured incredulously. Well, she had her own methods of thinking, and certainly, this guy didn't look like he had the money to have subordinates... It's a shame she didn't know that he didn't pay anything for a subordinate as loyal as Christine...

"Understood. When my master regains consciousness, we'll discuss the details," Lyana agreed. "But know this: if anything happens to my master due to your betrayal or failure, the bill will be collected. I don't leave debts unpaid."

"I don't intend to disappoint you," Strax replied, grinning mischievously.